Vegetable Grower’s Handbook Chapter I
Historically, Texas ranked third in vegetable production behind California and Florida. Over the past five years, however, vegetable acreage has steadily declined to the point where Texas now ranks fifth. The acreage decline is attributable to serious problems with insects, and disease and drought conditions during this period in the Lower Rio Grand Valley, the state’s major vegetable production region. Also during this period of time the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was implemented. As a result, a significant number of vegetable acres have slid south across the border. Competition from Mexico is causing a closing of market windows previously dominated by Texas. read more…

Vegetable Grower’s Handbook Chapter II: Marketing
Marketing is one of the most important factors in determining the success of any fruit and vegetable farming enterprise. Marketing includes all the operations and decisions made by producers. These decisions range from determining the most marketable crops for production to deciding how to best deliver quality produce to the consumers at a profit. However, contrary to popular belief, marketing does not begin after a crop is produced. Instead, marketing alternatives need to be considered even before production takes place. read more…